Should I Fill? Input please!

[xicacc2002 2]

So I have this issue....sometimes when I eat, food gets stuck easily, it doesn't matter the time. When food doesn't get stuck , I eat large meals, more than a cup of food. I am scared to get a fill, and then get more incidents of food getting stuck, but I am also scared because I dont know if I might have stretched my pouch out. Is it possible to stretch the pouch and still get things stuck? Thank you for your help.

Cynthia

[gamblergirl 0]

I am having the same problem, at times food feels like it is stuck and then other times I can eat quite a bit with no problems at all. I am scheduled for a fill on Friday, August 29th and I don't know if I should have one. I am almost 2 months out since surgery (June 27th) and I have lost 35 pounds, but only 5 in the last 3 weeks. I hope someone will have an answer for us!!!

[Shinyhappymommy 2]

Don't be afraid that you can eat a cup or more. That's not bad, as long as it's healthy food. The key is whether or not you can continue losing weight while eating that amount. If you can eat healthy portions and still lose weight, why go tighter?

If you aren't losing weight then you should check with your surgeon on whether or not you need a fill.

I have the same thing with my band, sometimes things will stick more than others. I think our restriction fluctuates due to many different reasons.

[RestlessMonkey 7]

Is it possible that the times you get stuck, you aren't taking VERY small bites and chewing VERY well? I heard that that's usually the problem early on.....chewing so much and tiny bites are hard habits for us to learn.

Just an idea..,

[Jodi_620 37]

Cynthia and Gamblergirl, that was me last week up until yesterday.

I went in and got a fill yesterday (my third) and I think that is just what I needed. My surgeon kinda questioned it because I had lost four pounds since my last fill two weeks ago but I explained that I had decent restriction for the first week, lost six pounds then lost restriction the second week and gained two back. I would eat a decent Breakfast and be tummy rumbling hungry three hours later. I knew that I was not feeling what a bandster should be feeling, I was eating way too much and able to eat like I did pre-band without getting stuck. I was also worried that I had slipped or stetched. He agreed to give me a fill, put in 1/2 CC Water went down great put in another 1/2 CC and said that was as far as he wanted to go for now.

I'm not sure that I am at my sweet spot yet, I'll know when I get back on solids, but even on liquids I can already feel a huge improvement. I had a Protein shake for a late lunch around 2PM yesterday and I had to drink it very slowly and was full on just over 1/2. 3/4 cup of strained Soup satisfied me for dinner at around 6:30 PM .

It is not just the amount that I am eating that has me feeling encouraged but how I feel when I eat. It is hard to describe but I know this fill definitely made a huge difference. . The food goes down slowly and the way it feels going down, I know that I have to take it easy. When I am full I get this gurgling sound then I hiccup. And the full feeling sticks with me for a good amount of time.

Edited August 22, 2008 by Jodi_620

[RestlessMonkey 7]

Jodi 620

Just had to say I am really happy for you that you're so close to "the sweet spot"....I've read enough to know it's a hard little spot to pin down!

Two thumbs up for you!

[Harkingluv 0]

I am having exactly the same problem. Sometimes I know I don't chew well, but I have been really trying and watching how I eat. However, sometimes it doesn't matter. Things still get stuck. I think it is stress. I seem to have more problems with food when I am stressed out. Also, I have been stuck at the same weight for about 3 weeks. I didn't lose that much at my last visit and I am afraid the same thing is going to happen again at my next appt. But i am afraid to get another fill. i have also been eating more than a cup at times. So you are not alone. Let us know what happens.